Adrius and Lysander descended slowly. Their bodies trembling as the last traces of battle slipped away.
Their boots sank into the wet earth when they finally landed near the cocoon.
The drizzle softened the scorched ground, and steam rose gently where lightning had burned deep scars into the soil.
The cocoon hovered a few inches above the ground, spinning slightly as if carried by a faint breeze. It was only the height of a tall man, not giant or monstrous. Just a human-shaped silhouette curled within a shell of gold.
The runes along its surface keep shifted, weaving and unweaving themselves in a rhythm to maintain the sealing formation.
Lysander stepped closer, wiping rain from his forehead.
"His eyes are closed now."
Adrius leaned on his staff, catching his breath, studying the figure inside.
The being's expression looked almost peaceful now. So far from the violent storm creature they fought seconds ago.
